This book relates the historical circumstances of five panegyrical speeches to survive from late antique Gaul to their literary characteristics and ideological perspectives. The years 289-307 saw great constitutional upheaval in the Roman Empire, with the various collegiate governments instituted by Diocletian. The speeches, preserved as part of the Panegyrici Latini collection, form part of the reaction and response of the Gallic aristocracy to the changing political environment. The five main chapters present in chronological sequence close readings of the Latin texts, in each case firmly gr ... More

This book relates the historical circumstances of five panegyrical speeches to survive from late antique Gaul to their literary characteristics and ideological perspectives. The years 289-307 saw great constitutional upheaval in the Roman Empire, with the various collegiate governments instituted by Diocletian. The speeches, preserved as part of the Panegyrici Latini collection, form part of the reaction and response of the Gallic aristocracy to the changing political environment. The five main chapters present in chronological sequence close readings of the Latin texts, in each case firmly grounded in the historical context, including constitutional and military developments. Rather than a medium of bland and enervating propaganda, panegyric itself is seen to be a flexible discourse, capable of nuance and change; through the speeches, Gallic loyalty to the various Roman emperors who held office at this time is seen to fluctuate.